SIUE names Harris vice chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Feb. 12, 2021
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EDWARDSVILLE Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook has named Jessica Harris, PhD, as the University’s first vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion (VCEDI) after a national search conducted by Dr. Cornell Thomas, SIU School of Dental Medicine (SDM) chief diversity officer, director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and assistant dean for admissions and student services
The national search, which began in mid-October 2020, produced 46 applicants. “Thank you to our committee members who were committed to this search,” Thomas said. “It was a complete team effort. We had an outstanding pool of applicants, and we are excited about the energized direction that SIUE is traveling.”
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Last week, I caught a conversation during our inauguration day started by Cornell Thomas on Clubhouse (love this platform, by the way!) entitled “Your party sucks, UBUNTU.” I’ve always known Cornell as a source of motivation and positivity, and so the message intrigued me. He was simply shining a light on what 2020 has taught us – our systems are broken but the people still have power. However, what became clear last year is that fear took hold in many hearts and households while mainstream media fed into an ever widening divide in our country – over our politics, masks, and vaccines – but we can take the power back with timeless principles like UBUNTU, meaning “I am because we are.” While we may not change the system overnight, this change begins at home and in our communities with the simplest of actions.
Our Education: Dr. Thomas expands SDM focus on diversity, equity, inclusion and well-being
The Telegraph
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EDWARDSVILLE The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SDM) has appointed Dr. Cornell Thomas, DMD, as chief diversity officer and director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
Thomas will maintain his role as assistant dean for Admissions and Student Services, but will place a more focused and sustained emphasis on diversity and equity issues. His dedication to “lower barriers not lower standards” has been woven in his exemplary efforts to advance the SDM since his tenure began in 1979.
“Dr. Thomas has led numerous diversity efforts on our campus for several years, but due to his many other duties has not had the opportunity to devote the amount of effort we feel this role deserves,” Rotter said. “This added emphasis on equity and diversity issues is both extremely important and timely for the futur
SIUE names finalists for Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
The Telegraph
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SIUE’s finalists for vice chancellor for equity, diversity and inclusion include, from left, Lakesha Butler, Jessica Harris and Debbie Thomas.
EDWARDSVILLE Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has selected two internal candidates among its three finalists in the search for its first Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (VCEDI).
SIU School of Dental Medicine (SDM) Chief Diversity Officer, Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Assistant Dean for Admissions and Student Services Dr. Cornell Thomas is chairing the search committee. The candidates will participate in virtual interviews in late January and early February.
SIU School of Dental Medicine Names Cornell Thomas Chief Diversity Officer
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The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SDM) is increasing its concentration on diversity, equity, inclusion and well-being. SIU SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD, has appointed Cornell Thomas, DDS, as chief diversity officer and director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
SIU School of Dental Medicine’s Cornell Thomas, DDS, chief diversity officer, director of the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and assistant dean for Admissions and Student Services.
“This added emphasis on equity and diversity issues is both extremely important and timely for the future growth and direction of the SDM. Dr. Thomas’ leadership will positively affect all members of the SDM community.”